Step 1: Get Multiple Quotes
The single most important step is to use a comparison service. Removal company pricing varies enormously — our data shows prices for identical moves can differ by 40–60% between different companies. Moving Merchant compares prices from our verified partner network and sends you one competitive, tailored quote, ensuring you pay a fair price without the hassle of ringing round.
💡 Moving Merchant customers receive up to 6 competitive quotes and save an average of £350 versus booking the first company they find.
Step 2: Check Credentials and Accreditation
Before you commit to any removal company, verify their credentials:
BAR Membership
The British Association of Removers (BAR) is the UK's leading trade body for removal companies. BAR members must adhere to a strict code of practice and offer customer dispute resolution.
Goods in Transit Insurance
Every legitimate removal company must carry Goods in Transit (GIT) insurance. Ask for proof — the total cover amount should be at least equal to the replacement value of your belongings.
Public Liability Insurance
Covers damage to your property (and others') caused by the removal company. Essential — without it, you'd have no recourse if a mover damaged your floor or walls.
Goods Vehicle Licence
Any van or lorry used commercially for removals must have a valid Goods Vehicle Operator's Licence. Legitimate companies will have this in order.
Step 3: Read Reviews Carefully
Customer reviews are invaluable — but you need to know how to read them:
- Look at review volume — 50+ reviews is more meaningful than 5 glowing ones
- Check dates — a company that was excellent 3 years ago may have declined
- Read negative reviews — how the company responded to complaints tells you a lot
- Google, Trustpilot, and Which? Trusted Traders are more reliable than testimonials on the company's own website
- Be wary of only 5-star reviews — authentic profiles almost always have some mixed feedback
Step 4: Get a Proper Survey
For moves involving more than a studio flat, always request an in-home survey (or at minimum a detailed video survey). This allows the removal company to accurately assess:
- The total volume of items to be moved
- Access issues at both properties (stairs, narrow roads, parking)
- Specialist items requiring extra care (pianos, artwork, antiques)
- Whether packing services are needed
⚠️ Red flag: Any company that gives a firm price without visiting your home (or conducting a thorough video survey) may either underprice and add charges on move day, or overprice because they've added excessive contingency.
Step 5: Ask These 10 Questions
Before hiring any removal company, ask them the following:
- What is your total Goods in Transit insurance cover?
- What is your per-item insurance limit?
- Are self-packed boxes covered under your insurance?
- Are you a BAR member or belong to any trade association?
- What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?
- How do you handle breakages or damage claims?
- Is your quote fixed, or could costs increase on the day?
- Who will be doing the actual moving — your own employees or subcontractors?
- What vehicles will be used and are they GPS tracked?
- Do you provide an itemised inventory?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
🚨 No physical address
Legitimate removal companies have a verifiable UK business address.
🚨 Cash only payment
Reputable companies accept bank transfer or card payment, not cash only.
🚨 Demand full payment upfront
A reasonable deposit (10–25%) is normal. Demanding full payment before the move is a red flag.
🚨 No written quote
Always get your quote in writing. Verbal quotes are impossible to enforce.
🚨 No insurance details
If they can't or won't provide insurance certificate details, walk away.
🚨 Too-good-to-be-true prices
If a quote is 50% cheaper than all others, ask why — it usually signals something is missing.
Step 6: Understand What's Included
Confirm exactly what your quote includes before signing. Common extras that may or may not be included:
| Service | Often Included | Often Extra |
|---|---|---|
| Loading and unloading | ✅ | |
| Disassembly of flat-pack furniture | ⚠️ Sometimes | |
| Packing boxes and materials | ✅ Usually extra | |
| Packing service (labour) | ✅ Usually extra | |
| Piano or heavy specialist items | ✅ Usually extra | |
| Parking suspension application | ✅ Usually extra | |
| Storage between moves | ✅ Usually extra |